FRAN THE FAN: Steve steps up

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Fran The Fan - FRAN THE FAN: Steve steps up

Posted On: 1/3/08

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Fran "The Fan" Vojik

After the Seattle game I wrote that I would later make the case for Brian Billick’s dismissal. Well, Steve Bisciotti sure took the wind out of my sails on Monday!

The announcement overshadowed a fine win against the Steelers. Quick game note: I’m still impressed with Troy Smith’s development and, while he may not be the total answer at quarterback, he has to be considered part of the solution. And….I was finally impressed with the play of David Pittman, who may just have saved himself a roster spot on the ’08 team.

Now, was I surprised at the timing of the announcement? Yes.

Was I surprised at the move? Absolutely not.

If you watched the entire Bisciotti press conference, it was clear that Steve agonized over this decision. But he also made it clear that Billick’s future with the team was the subject of protracted discussions among himself, Ozzie Newsome, and Dick Cass, and has been for some time. The timing may have been a pop-up, but the rationale behind it most certainly was not.

I’m sure of one thing; Billick wasn’t fired based solely on the performance of the ’07 Ravens. No owner in his right mind would dismiss a head coach based on the number of injuries the Ravens suffered this year. I overhead a conversation between a Steelers fan and Ravens fan during the game last Sunday. Steeler fan asks: What went wrong? Raven fan answers: Lose Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Max Starks, Troy Polamalu, your starter corners, and several key backups for the year and what would your record be?

Nope, Billick’s firing was based on the sum total of Brian’s work over the past few years including, but not limited to, arrogant management style, clock mismanagement, undisciplined play, unimaginative offense, and the inability to develop a NFL-caliber quarterback.

Remember when Kyle Boller was selected in the 2003 draft? Billick announced afterward to the media how difficult the decision was to draft a QB in the 1st round, and how dire the ramifications would be for management if it didn’t work out. As I recall, Brian’s words were (and I paraphrase) “If 5 years from now Ozzie and I aren’t here, you’ll know why.”

Prophetic words indeed.

Even more importantly, it’s clear that Bisciotti had no faith in Brian’s ability to lead this team into a time of player transition. Steve didn’t think Brian could take this team where it needs to go.

Now, the list of potential candidates for head coach is long and interesting, but I would remove from any short list the likes of Jason Garrett of the Cowboys and Josh McDaniels of the Patriots. Please??

Young, hotshot offensive coordinator on a Dallas team destined for the NFC Championship game, Garrett directs the likes of Tony Romo, Jason Whitten, Marion Barber, and Terrell Owens in the NFC’s most dynamic offense.

Wow, sounds just like another young, hotshot coordinator in his 40’s that worked in Minnesota about 10 years ago, doesn’t it?

Folks, when you got the horses, it makes you and everybody else look good.

More changes are coming.

On Monday Steve Bisciotti finally stepped out of Art Modell’s long shadow and took real control of this team. Dick Cass has revealed himself as the stealth power behind the throne. That means if I had any connection to the Modell regime I’d start to worry – big time. That includes Ozzie Newsome who, judging from the pained look on his face during the press conference, knows his neck is next on the chopping block if more draft picks don’t pan out.

The winds of change are a’ blowing at One Winning Way.

Monday was refreshing; now what will follow?

Photo by Sabina Moran